The Be Kind People Project™, a Paradise Valley nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the nation’s educational environment by recognizing teachers and positively impacting students, announced today that Lisa Hartsock has been named Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director. Working with founder Marcia Meyer, Hartsock will spearhead the next phase of the organization’s rapid growth and the expansion of its nationwide programming to provide K-8th grade students with character development tools that build positive relationship skills while celebrating teachers and their contributions to society.
“The Board of Directors and I are delighted to welcome Lisa to lead our team as we expand the reach and scope of our programs and establish a national platform of advocacy and grassroots action to transform our schools and communities,” said Meyer. “Lisa is a consummate professional, with a proven track record for building strategic alliances with partners, affiliates and donors that will serve us well as we implement our strategic growth plan over the coming months. She is also a caring and compassionate individual who embodies our values as an organization and our commitment to children, teachers and community service.”
“I’m honored to join The Be Kind People Project at this critical stage of its evolution from a regional start-up to a highly regarded nonprofit organization with strong partnerships, comprehensive programs, and a national presence,” said Hartsock. “The Be Kind People Project has developed a unique approach to character building that fully engages students, recognizes teachers and employs classroom materials that meet the highest and most stringent educational standards. I look forward to working closely with Marcia Meyer and the Board as we continue our mission to transform classrooms and inspire communities through the power of kindness.”
As CEO, Hartsock will hold overall strategic and operational responsibility for executing The Be Kind People Project’s mission and directing its staff, programs, financial performance, capacity planning and growth initiatives. During the 2013-14 school year, she will spearhead the organization’s comprehensive national program of classroom events, contests and character development activities designed to provide K-8th grade students with opportunities to practice intentional acts of kindness while celebrating teachers and their critical role in inspiring our next generation of leaders. This branded program combines grade-specific character building lesson plans and classroom resources with video and essay contests that encourage students to express the kindness message through the spoken word, music, dance and the visual arts.
Four times during the school year, The Be Kind People Project also collaborates with Teach For America to deliver gifts of appreciation and classroom supplies to K-8th grade teachers at Title 1 schools across the U.S. The organization also mounts high-energy school and after-school assemblies featuring The Be Kind Crew™, a group of energetic and gifted young performers who use hip hop, street fusion dance, and the spoken word to bring the kindness pledge to life and reinforce the teacher appreciation message in ways that kids find exciting, engaging and fun. The 2013-14 program launched in August/September in ten markets nationwide.
